B.A.A?

I may have an addiction and I may need to enroll in B.A.A. What’s my addiction and what does that stand for? Well, I know the first stage of recovery is admittance. B.A.A. stands for Baking Addicts Anonymous. Yes, I made this up (I think). However, I think I show all the signs. This weekend I spent over 5 hours baking in my free time. This is what happens when it’s a slow news week! I create occasions in order to justify the need to try a new recipe. I’m also known to be the first to offer baked goods in exchange for help with work and projects (such as if someone volunteers to be in one of my films or helps me edit a piece). Can baking really cure my problems or do I turn to baking and ignore my problems? Before we delve into my feelings (even though I am a Psychology major this blog is not intended for self reflection), I managed to put the baked goods to good use this weekend. My dad’s 56th birthday was on Saturday so I made him White Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Supreme. He loved them, I was satisfied. On Sunday I baked Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies to sell for a fundraiser to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Baking for fundraisers are my favorite hobby. Baking serves so many different occasions no wonder I love it so much. I figured why not document the experience and blog about my baking endeavors over the weekend.

There is no denying the fact that the basic Chocolate Chip Cookie is divine. Oozing chocolate chips, chewy soft dough and the heavenly smell is usually enough to keep me satisfied for life. However, sometimes the same chocolate chip cookie can become a bit of a bore. The thing I enjoy most about baking is modifying the ingredients. Baking is like sculpting– adding and subtracting different elements (ingredients) to make the most beautiful (and tasty) creation. It’s always fun to take recipes found online and modify them to one’s own liking. I took this recipe and created my own modified version:

“White Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies”

Ingredients:

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup white chocolate chips

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, and baking soda. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat eggs and vanilla extract into butter mixture. Stir wet ingredients into flour mixture. Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips. Use an ice cream scooper to scoop a heap onto ungreased baking sheets. Press down lightly on the dough to flatten. Leave about an inch space between each cookie. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown. Serves about two dozen.